04-05

05-06

06-07

07-08

08-09

BENCHMARK

SI-M-A1 identifying questions that can be used to design a scientific investigation

1.  Generate testable questions about objects, organisms, and events that can be answered through scientific investigation

2.  Identify problems, factors, and questions that must be considered in a scientific investigation

3.  Use a variety of sources to answer questions

SI-M-A2 designing and conducting a scientific investigation

4.  Design, predict outcomes, and conduct experiments to answer testable questions

5. Identify independent variables,  dependent variables, and variables that should be controlled in designing an experiment

SI-M-A3 using mathematics and appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data

6.  Select and use appropriate equipment, technology, tools, and metric units of measure to make observations

7.  Record observations using methods that complement investigations (e.g., journals, tables, charts)

8.  Use consistency and precision in data collection, analysis, and reporting

9.  Use computers and/or calculators to analyze and interpret quantitative data

SI-M-A4 developing descriptions, explanations, and graphs using data

10.  Identify the difference between description and explanation.

11. Construct, use, and interpret appropriate graphical representations  to collect, record, and report data (e.g., tables, charts, circle graphs, bar and line graphs, diagrams, scatter plots, symbols)

12.  Use data and information gathered to develop an explanation of experimental results

13.  Identify patterns in data to explain natural events

SI - M-A5 developing models and predictions using the relationships between data explanations

14.  Develop models to illustrate or explain conclusions reached through investigation

15.  Identify and explain the limitations of models used to represent the natural world

16.  Use evidence to make inferences and predict trends

SI-M-A6 comparing alternative explanations and predictions

17.  Recognize that there may be more than one way to interpret a given set of data, which can result in alternative scientific explanations and predictions

18.  Identify faulty reasoning and statements that misinterpret or are not supported by the evidence

SI-M-A7 communicating scientific procedures, information, and explanations

19.  Communicate ideas in a variety of ways (e.g., symbols, illustrations, graphs, charts, spreadsheets, concept maps, oral and written reports, equations)

20.  Write clear, step-by-step instructions that others follow to carry out procedures or conduct investigations

21.  Distinguish between “observations” and “inferences”

22.  Use evidence and observations to explain and communicate the results of investigations

SI-M-A8 utilizing safety procedures during scientific investigations

23.  Use relevant safety procedures and equipment to conduct scientific investigations

24.  Provide appropriate care and utilize safe practices and ethical treatment when animals are involved in scientific field and laboratory research

SI-M-B1 recognizing that different kinds of questions guide different kinds of scientific investigations

25.  Compare and critique scientific investigations

26.  Use and describe alternate methods for investigating different types of testable questions

27.  Recognize that science uses processes that involve a logical and empirical, but flexible, approach to problem solving

SI-M-B2 communicating that current scientific knowledge guides scientific investigations

28.  Recognize that investigations generally begin with a review of the work of others

SI-M-B3 understanding that mathematics, technology, and scientific techniques used in an experiment can limit or enhance the accuracy of scientific knowledge

29.  Explain how technology can expand the senses and contribute to the increase and/or modification of scientific knowledge

30.  Describe why all questions cannot be answered with present technologies

31.  Recognize that there is an acceptable range of variation in collected data

32.  Explain the use of statistical methods to confirm the significance of data (e.g., mean, median, mode, range)

SI-M-B4 using data and logical arguments to propose, modify, or elaborate on principles and models

33.  Evaluate models, identify problems in design, and make recommendations for improvement

SI-M-B5 understanding that scientific knowledge is enhanced through peer review, alternative explanations, and constructive criticism

34.  Recognize the importance of communication among scientists about investigations in progress and the work of others

35. Explain how skepticism about accepted scientific explanations (i.e., hypotheses and theories) leads to new understanding

36.  Explain why an experiment must be verified through multiple investigations and yield consistent results before the findings are accepted

37.  Critique and analyze their own inquiries and the inquiries of other

SI-M-B6 communicating

investigations can result in new ideas, new methods, or procedures, and new techniques

38.  Explain that , through the use of scientific processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decision, and form new ideas

SI-M-B7 understanding that scientific development/ technology is driven by societal needs and funding

39.  Identify areas in which technology has changed human lives (e.g., transportation, communication, geographic information systems, DNA fingerprinting)

40.  Evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment

PS-M-A1 investigating, measuring, and communicating the properties of different substances which are independent of the amount of the substance

PS-M-A2 understanding that all matter is made up of particles called atoms and that atoms of different elements are different

1.  Determine that all atoms of the same element are similar to but different from atoms of other elements

2.  Recognize that elements with the same number of protons may or may not have the same charge

3.  Define ions and describe them in terms of the number of protons, electrons, and their charges

PS-M-A3 grouping substances according to similar properties and/ or behaviors

PS-M-A4 understanding that atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion

PS - M-A5 investigating the relationships among temperature, molecular motion, phase changes, and physical properties of matter

PS-M-A6 investigating chemical reactions between different substances to discover that new substances formed may have new physical properties and do have new chemical properties

Conduct investigations involving common chemicals

Describe properties of reactants and products of chemical reactions

PS-M-A7 understanding that during a chemical reaction in a closed system, the mass of the products is equal to that of the reactants

PS-M-A8 discovering and recording how factors such as temperature influence chemical reactions

PS-M-A9 identifying elements and compounds found in common foods, clothing, household materials, and automobiles

PS-M-B1 describing and graphing the motions of objects

PS-M-B2 recognizing different forces and describing their effects (gravity, electrical, magnetic)

4.  Demonstrate that Earth has a magnetic field by using magnets and compasses

5.  Define gravity and describe the relationship among the force of gravity, the mass of objects, and the distance between objects

6. Predict how the gravitational attraction between two masses will increase or decrease when changes are made in the masses or in the distance between the objects

PS-M-B3 understanding that, when an object is not being subjected to a force, it will continue to move at a constant speed and in a straight line

PS-M-B4 describing how forces acting on an object will reinforce or cancel one another, depending upon their direction and magnitude

PS-M-B5 understanding that unbalanced forces will cause changes in the speed or direction of an object’s motion

7.  Explain the relationships among force, mass, and acceleration

PS-M-C1 identifying and comparing the characteristics of different types of energy

PS-M-C2 understanding the different kinds of energy transformations and the fact that energy can be neither destroyed nor created

PS-M-C3 understanding that the sun is a major source of energy and the energy arrives at the Earth’s surface as light with a range of wavelengths

PS- M-C4 observing and describing the interactions of light and matter (reflection, refraction, absorption, transmission, scattering)

PS-M-C5 investigating and describing the movement of heat and the effects of heat in objects and systems

PS-M-C6 describing the types of energy that can be involved, converted, or released in electrical circuits

PS-M-C7 understanding that energy is involved in chemical reactions

PS-M-C8 comparing the uses of different energy resources and their effects upon the environment

LS-M-A1 describing the observable components and functions of a cell, such as the cell membrane, nucleus, an movement of molecules into and out of cells

LS-M-A2 comparing and contrasting the basic structures and functions of different plant and animal cells

LS-M-A3 observing and analyzing the growth and development of selected organisms, including a seed plant, an insect with complete metamorphosis, and an amphibian

LS-M-A4 describing the basic processes of photosynthesis and respiration and their importance to life

LS-M-A5 investigating human body systems and their functions (including circulatory, digestive, skeletal, respiratory)

LS-M-A6 describing how the human body changes with age and listing factors that affect the length and quality of life

LS-M-A7 describing communicable and noncommunicable diseases

LS-M-B1 describing the importance of body cell division (mitosis) and sex cell production (meiosis)

LS-M-B2 describing the role of chromosomes and genes in heredity

LS-M--B3 describing how heredity allows parents to pass certain traits to offspring

LS-M-C1 constructing and using classification systems based on the structure of organisms

LS-M-C2 modeling and interpreting food chains and food webs

LS-M-C3 investigating major ecosystems and recognizing physical properties and organisms within each

LS-M-C4 explaining the interaction and interdependence of nonliving and living components with ecosystems

LS-M-D1 describing the importance of plant and animal adaptation, including local examples

LS-M-D2 explaining how some members of a species survive under changed environmental conditions

 change in the

ESS-M-A1 understanding that the Earth is layered by density with an inner and outer core, a mantle, and a thin outer crust

8.  Identify and describe the four density layers of Earth

ESS-M-A2 understanding that the Earth’s crust and solid upper mantle are dividing plates that move in response to convection currents (energy transfers) in the mantle

9.  Explain the historical development of the theories of plate tectonics, including continental drift and sea-floor spreading

10.  Illustrate the movement of convection currents

11.  Illustrate the movements of lithospheric plates as stated in the plate tectonics theory